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Migraines, GAD and sertraline.

Posted , 5 users are following.

gabrielle34731
gabrielle34731

Hi all. Has anyone who had pre existing migraines seen an increase in them wig increasing doses of sertraline? I've had constant migraines for nearly a fortnight now! 

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • debra34304
    debra34304 gabrielle34731

    Posted

    HI Hun yes I did I took co codamol for them. But I’ve swapped from sertraline now I’m back on paroxatine x
  • Belle1993
    Belle1993 gabrielle34731

    Posted

    I get migraines too but was told since I started on sertraline that I wasn’t allowed to take sumatriptan anymore as they don’t agree with each other, I’ve just been taking paracetamol and trying my best to get through them xx
    • gabrielle34731
      gabrielle34731 Belle1993

      Posted

      I hadn't read that elsewhere and have queried it with my pharmacist and GP but they've both said it's fine to take them together. I know however, that when I do take the two together I get very dizzy afterwards and more anxious. Both meds work on your seratonin levels which is why I was hesitant. I might just take paracetamol with the next inevitable headache and see if that helps but doesn't lead to dizziness. 

  • laura1709
    laura1709 gabrielle34731

    Posted

    I used to get a lot of headaches and migrain which actually was the initial reason to start using Sert. I’ve found at the begging it was really bad then they seemed to get better and better. Now I have a headache once a week rather than every day and haven’t had a migraine since I started about 10 weeks ago. I take co-codamol although the doctor has said you can take ibuprofen but only when you really need it. Headaches are a side effect of the sertraline, so persevere with it till it settles down especially if you’re increasing still, and make sure you’re not taking too many painkillers as that increases the likelihood of migrain. Hope you start to feel better I know your pain but it’s definitely started to help me
    • debra34304
      debra34304 laura1709

      Posted

      Hi Laura how long did it take for ure tablets to kick in x
    • laura1709
      laura1709 debra34304

      Posted

      Hi Debra. I’ve been on 50mg for about 10 weeks now and around 8 weeks I started to feel much better although I still have some bad days and my sleep isn’t great but I have a great doctor who agrees that increasing dosage isn’t always the best way to go about the process so I’m staying at 50 with the hope of improving each week. I think from what iv seen on here people up their dose too fast because it’s not working which only makes it worse. It’s an uphill battle that’s for sure but worth it when it starts to work. 
    • debra34304
      debra34304 laura1709

      Posted

      Hi Laura I’ve been on paroxatine now for the past 6wks will little improvement. And the doctor wants me to stay at a low dose for a few more wks. Do u take anything through out the day to help with side effects. And do you take anything at night to help you sleep. Do u ever feel detached or as if u av lost ureself xx
    • laura1709
      laura1709 debra34304

      Posted

      I don’t know much about that drug but maybe keep going on your dose and see if it works. I don’t take anything else (the doctor won’t easily prescribe anything haha). Not sure about the detachment you mention maybe explain it to me more? 
    • debra34304
      debra34304 laura1709

      Posted

      HI Laura what I mean about the detached feeling is like u av lost ureself and feeling detached from ure luv1s? The doctor told me it’s all to do with my anxiety x
    • laura1709
      laura1709 debra34304

      Posted

      I don’t think I have the same problem but anxiety can make me very shut off from everything and just wanting to be alone. Have you seen a councellor or anything like that? Might be good to talk it through with someone. I hope you’re ok we’re all here if you need anything smile 
    • debra34304
      debra34304 laura1709

      Posted

      I’m due to see a councillor this month. So I’ll av to see how that goes. How long do you think it’s best to stay at a dose for b4 upping it x
    • laura1709
      laura1709 debra34304

      Posted

      That’s good I hope it works out for you! 

      I think I’m general you need to give it at least 8 weeks. Remember each time you increase the side effects get worse. I’m no expert though!

  • Cindy001
    Cindy001 gabrielle34731

    Posted

    Hi, I’ve never had migraines but since my latest increase to 100mg I do have headaches most days. I now sleep well at night ( which is amazing) after only having 2/3 hours a night for the past few months so I’m not sure if my body is getting used to me sleeping and that’s why I’m getting the headaches! I hope you manage to get your migraines under control and you feel better soon x 
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